Question
Bode made a rocket using an empty plastic bottle and fins made out of cardboard. After partially filling the bottle with water, he pumps air into the bottle using a pump attached to the rocket with plastic tubes. When the pressure in the bottle becomes high enough, the water gushes out and launches the rocket into the air, as shown in the diagram below.
Image modified courtesy of NASA
How does the force that causes the water to leave the rocket compare to the force that causes the rocket to launch?
A.
They are equal and act in opposite directions.
B.
They are equal and act in the same direction.
C.
They are unequal and act in the same direction.
D.
They are unequal and act in opposite directions.
Image modified courtesy of NASA
How does the force that causes the water to leave the rocket compare to the force that causes the rocket to launch?
A.
They are equal and act in opposite directions.
B.
They are equal and act in the same direction.
C.
They are unequal and act in the same direction.
D.
They are unequal and act in opposite directions.
Answers
GPT-5 mini
A. They are equal and act in opposite directions.
Explanation: when the pressurized bottle pushes the water out (force on the water), the water pushes back on the bottle with an equal and opposite force (Newton's third law), producing the rocket's thrust.
Explanation: when the pressurized bottle pushes the water out (force on the water), the water pushes back on the bottle with an equal and opposite force (Newton's third law), producing the rocket's thrust.